Storing transmitter



June 12, 1934.

H. D. CZOLMANv STORING TRANSMITTER s Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Aug. 1. 1930 HowarlrllColm/w INVENTOR H. D. COLMAN June 12, 1934.

STORING TRANSMITTER 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Aug. 1930 STORING TRANSMITTER Original Filed Aug. 1. 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR D.COZman I M46 flQ W ATTORNEYS June 12, 1934. H. D. COLMAN' STORING TRANSMITTER Original Fil'ed Aug. 1. 1930 SShets-Sheet 4 INVEIVITQOR gov/arc? llOoZman ATTORNEYS 1 June '12, 1934. H D OLMAN 1,962,136

STORING TRANSMITTER Original Filed Aug. 1. 193Q 8 Sheets-Shee t 5 J5 54 ii,

INVENTOR fibward D.CoZman ATTORN EYS J1me 1934- H. D. COLMAN STORING TRANSMITTER Original Filed Aug. 1. 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR Howard .DOoZman ATTORNEYS June 12, 1934. H. D. COLMAN 7 1,962,136

STORING TRANSMITTER Original Filed Aug. 1. 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 W/A/[V 45 '42 v E 0R HOw I d TD. Colman June 12, 1934. H. D. COLMAN 1,962,136

STORING TRANSMITTER Original Filed Aug. 1. 1930 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR Howard fl. Colman WMMV ATTORNEYS Patented June 12, 1934 4 UNITED STATES STORING TRANSMITTER W Howard D. Colman, Rockford, Ill.

Application August 1, 1930, Serial No. 472,326 Renewed October 12, 1932 45 Claims. (Cl. 17817.5)

This invention relates to improvements in storing transmitters in which signals set up intermittently by the manual control of a keyboard are temporarily stored in varying numbers on a storing medium and transmitted therefrom at a uniform rate.

One object of the invention is to provide a transmitter of the above general character having a storing medium arranged in a novel manner such as to simplify the construction of the ma- I chine, render its operation more reliable, and increase the speed of transmission of message matter.

Another object is to provide a new and simplified mechanism for setting up signal combinations on the storing medium.

A further object is to provide a novelmechanism for feeling of the recorded signals and utilizing the same for controlling transmitting switches.

The invention also aims to provide a novel means for preventing the recordation of more than one signal upon the storage medium in the event that a key of the controlling keyboard is held depressed for an abnormal length of time.

Still another object is to provide a storing transmitter embodying a flexible storing medium and a novel means for enabling the medium to be exhausted of stored signals.

The invention also resides in the novel driving means for effecting relative motion between the storing medium and the recording mechanism and between the medium and the transmitting switch control mechanism.

A further object is to provide, in combination with a storing transmitter having a switch controlling mechanism timed from a sunflower distributor, a novel means for interrupting and restarting said mechanism automatically in timed 49 reation to the distributor.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which,

- Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view and wiring diagram of a machine embodying the features of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view. Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view. .Fig. 4 isa section taken along the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Figs. 5 and 6 are sectional views taken respectlvely along the lines 5-5 and 66 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the permutation and signal recording mechanism.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of the means for blanking the storing medium.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of part of the transmitting switch controling mechanism.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 of Fig. 3.

Figs. 11, 12 and 13 are fragmentary perspective views of the means for controlling the clutch of the recording mechanism.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view of the mechanism for controlling the automatic starting and stopping of signal transmission.

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, I have shown in the drawings and will herein describe in detail the preferred embodiment, but it is to be understood that I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but intend to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

Signal storing medium In the exemplary form of the invention shown in the drawings, the signals set up under the ,control of a. keyboard are stored mechanically on an endless flexible chain composed of approximately 250 links in the form of two'spaced elongated narrow bars 1 arranged side by side in closely spaced relation and each pivotally connected at opposite ends to the bars of adjacent links. Spaced longitudinally along each bar 1 and therefore transversely of the length of chain is a row of five endwise movable pins 2 adapted to be shifted selectively to represent an individua1 signal combination. Each pin is frictionally held by spring pressure either in a. pushed or a non-pushed position.

The chain is arranged in the form of an endlessloop having elongated opposed runs connected at opposite ends to form arcuate bights.

This loop is supported and its elongated shape ported by the base plate 5. The opposite ends of the car support rollers 8 which define'the closed ends or bights of the chain loop. Adjacent the pin-setting position indicated by the line 9 in Fig. 6, the inner run of the chain loop is accurately guided in a way 10 (Fig. 4)

The chain loop is thus maintained in the form of a letter C with the closed ends of the loop disposed adjacent each other and adapted to travel around thecircular path with the bodily movable car. With the loop thus mounted, substantially the entire length of the chain may be rendered available for signal storage by associating the pin-setting mechanism and the pin-feeling or switch-controlling mechanism with opposite runs of the loop and locating these mechanisms externally'of the loop. Thus, when the chain adjacent the normal feeling position indicated by the line 11 in Fig. 6 is held stationary, advance of the chain past the recording position 9 will cause the chain supporting car and the closed ends of the loop to move in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figs. 2 and 6. With the chain at the recording point held stationary, ad-- vance of the chain in a counter-clockwise direction past the feeling position 11 will move the car counter-clockwise and through one-half the distance of such chain advance.

Pin-setting In the advance of the chain past the recording point 9, the rows of pins 2 are presented successively to a set of endwise movable pushers 12 (Figs. 4 and 7), one for each pin in the row. The pushers are rigid with'arms 13 depending from the ends of five permutation bars 14 which are supported by a horizontal plate 15 for endwise movement. Coiled tension springs 16 individual to the bars 14 tend to shift the latter in a direction to cause the pushers 12 to push the chain pins out of nonpushed or blank position shown in Fig. 4.

Power-actuated means controlled from the keyboard is provided for retracting the permutation bars and controlling the release thereof to set the pins opposite the pushers in a signal combination. This means comprises a cam 17 fast on a start-stop shaft 18 (Figs. 4 and 5) and acting on a follower 19 which constitutes one arm of a bell-crank 20 pivoted at 21 and having an upstanding bifurcated arm 22 carrying a bail 23 which overlies lugs 24 depending from the bars 14. When the machine is at rest, the shaft 18 is positioned as shown in Fig. 4 with the high point of the cam 17 holding the bars 14 and the bell-crank retracted against the action of springs 16 and a spring 25 acting on the bell-crank. In the rotation of the shaft 18 through one revolution, the cam 17 releases the bars 14 and pushers 12 to the action of the springs 16 to set the signal combination on the pins opposite the pushers and then retracts the bars and pushers as it approaches its rest position.

Movement of the permutation bars 14 selectively to record different signal combinations is controlled from a keyboard at the front of the machine comprising a plurality of elongated 1evers 26 (Fig. 7) pivoted on a rod 27 and normally held in raised position by individual springs 28. Each lever has a depending lug or flag 29 which is adapted, upon depression of the lever, to enter notches in the permutation bars 14 and cooperate with wards 30 on the bars to determine which of the permutation bars shall be blocked and which shall be released in the ensuing revolution of the start-stop shaft 18.

Power is supplied by an electric motor 31 (Fig. 2) and the application of the power to the shaft 18 is controlled by a clutch 32 (Figs. 1, 3 and 5) of the friction type having a driving disk 33 carried by a gear 34 meshing with a gear 35 on a shaft 36 which is connected through bevel gearing 37 (Fig. 5) to the main drive shaft 38, the latter being driven, in the present instance, from the motor shaft by a belt 39.

on the disk 40. The motion of the disk is thus arrested but the driven parts continue to move under their momentum and in turning through a fraction of a revolution against the action of the spring 40 retract the disk 40 out of gripping engagement with the disk 39 so that the two disks are held separated while the clutch is disengaged. When the Ofinger 42 is released, the spring 40 turns the disk 40 and moves the same against the disk 40 thereby engaging the clutch.

Tripping of the clutch finger 42 takes place upon depression of any one of the character keys. To this end, a crank arm 43 (Figs. 10 to 13) on a rock shaft 44 carries a lug 45 which constitutes the stop above referred to and when no keys are depressed, occupies the position shown in Figs. 10 and 12, thereby blocking the clutch finger 42 against movement. When one of the keys is struck, a bail 46 or universal bar common to all of the keys is depressed, thereby lowering a bellcrank 47 which through the medium of a link 48 and a crank 49 rocks the shaft 44- and the crank 43 to the left as viewed in Fig. 10, thereby moving the lug 45 out of blocking relation with respect to the finger 42. The clutch thus becomes engaged causing rotation of the cam shaft 41.

Means to prevent repetition of signals In order to limit the movement of the shaft 18 to one revolution in the event that the operator holds a key depressed too long, a lug 50 (Figs. 10 to 13) on the crank 43isformed with its upper blocking surface disposed above and overlying the right hand edge of the lug 45. Thus, if a key is held depressed, the lug 50 will, upon completion Chain advance during pin-setting In each operating cycle of thepin-setting mechanism above described, the inner run of the chain is advanced past the pushers 12 in the direction of the arrow 52 (Fig. 6) and through a distance equal to the pitch of the chain so as to leave a blanked link opposite the pushers for recordation of the next signal. This advance occurs throughout the movement of the shaft 18 and is produced by sprocket wheels 53- (Fi'gs. 1 and 6) which engage the side edges of the inner chain ata point where the run is guided by the way 10 (Fig. 4). The sprockets are fast on a vertical shaft 54 (Fig. 5) which is driven from the start-stop shaft 18 through-the medium of-gears 55, 56 andbeveled gearing 57. Owing to thisdirect connection between the shaft 18 and the chain drive spip kets 53, the chain advances past the pushers 12 while the latter are operating upon the pins .2. Y i

- Fig. 1.

Blanking mechanism Prior to presentation to the pushers 12, each row of pins 2 is blanked, that is to say, all are pushed outwardly relative to the chain loop so as to be positioned as shown in Fig. 4. While the blanking may be effected by the cam action of a stationary plow, it is preferred to utilize the motion of the start-stop shaft 18 more advantageously. To this end, an arm 58 (Fig. 8) on a rock shaft 59 is formed at its free edge with a flange 60 which overlies all of the pins of one chain link on the inner side of the inner chain run. The arm 58 is retracted by a spring 61 acting through the medium of an arm 62 on the rock shaft 59, and a bar 64 which lies alongside of the permutation bars 14. In the movement of the bell-crank 20 to retract the bars 14, the bail 23 engages a lug 63 on the bar 64 and the latter is shifted in a direction to engage a set of the chain pins and thereby move them outwardly.

Distributor control switches The signals mechanically recorded upon the storage chain in the manner above described are utilized to control the actuation of five switches 65 (Fig. '1) which determine the polarity of the current applied to the five transmitting contacts 65* of the usual sunflower distributor which may be adapted for multiplex operation as shown in These switches are of the bipolar type and each comprises an insulated contact strip 66 which is movable between two contact strips 67 and 68 connected respectively tothe positive and negative terminals of the source of current. Each strip 66 is connected to one stationary contact 66 of the sunflower distributor so that the sunflower contact will be of negative polarity when the strip is raised into contact with the strip 68 and of positive polarity when the strip is lowered into contact with the strip 67.

Switch actuating mechanism I 'The switches 65 are actuated selectively. in accordance with the setting of the pins 2 in the row which is opposite a set of five feelers in the form of vertically disposed bars 69 (Fig. 1) having offset shoes '70 arranged for operative association with the respective pins in any one row. The bars are arranged in vertical parallel guideways formed by a frame 71 having spaced hori zontal arms '72 and 73 which are pivoted'at 74 and '75 so that the frame may swing around the closed end of the chain loop and thereby read the signal next beyond the pin setting point.

When the bars 69 are in their umrmost position, the shoes are disposed above the respective pins 2'representing one signal. As the bars are lowered, the shoes are brought into operative association with the pins and those which encounter non-pushed pins are blocked against movement while those associated withpushed pins are free to move downwardly.

Near their upper ends, the feeler bars 69 are formed with rigid lateral arms 76 which terminate on the oscillatory axis of the frame '71 and are disposed within the bifurcated ends of arms 77 projecting laterally from a set of fiveslides 78 mounted in the machine frame for endwise movement. The vertical motions of the slides '78 are transmitted to themovable contact strips rods 79 which are urged downwardly by coiled compressionspring's 82.

By providing a pivotal joint between the feeler bars 69 and the switch actuating slides 78, which joint coincides with the axis of the oscillatory frame 71, the switches 65 may be mounted on a stationary support and yet be actuated by means carried by an oscillatory support.

The slides '78 and the feeler bars 69 are periodically retracted and allowed to move into operative association with the chain pins in proper timed relation to the movement of the sunflower distributor arm. This is accomplished in the present instance under the control of a friction clutch 83 of the same type as the clutch 32 and having its driving disk 84 fast upon a gear 85 driven by a gear 86 on the shaft 36. The driven clutch disk 8'7 drives a shaft 88 (Figs. 4 and 5) on which is fast a cam 89 (Fig. 9) acting on a follower 90 whose movements are communicated through a rock shaft 91, and a link 92 to a rock shaft 93. Fast on the latter shaft'is a bail 94 lying beneath the lugs 81 on the slides '78 and acting to raise all of the slides against the action of their springs 82 and then permit them to be lowered. In the present instance, the cam 89 is so shaped that the slides '78 are raised in the initial part of the revolution of the start-stop shaft 88 and released for downward movement near the completion of the revolution. 105

Distributor control of the clutch,

In order to bring the operation of the pin feelers into step with the synchronized movements of the sunflower distributor arm, the clutch 83 is arranged to be controlled, by an impulse which is produced when the distributor arm 93 traverses the so-called cadence contact 94. Engagement of this contact closes a circuit through the winding 95 of an electromagnet having an armature in the form of a bail 96 which is disposed in the path of the start-stop arm 97 of the clutch 83 when the winding 95 is deenergized, thereby maintaining the clutch disengaged. Energization of the magnet withdraws the detent armature against the action of a spring 96", thereby permitting the clutch to become engaged for one revolution of the driven clutch member during whichthe feelers are retracted and finally released as above described.

Presentation of signals to the feelers When the number of signals in storage between the recording and feeling points 9 and 11 exceeds a relatively small number predetermined by the required size of the rollers 8 defining the closed end of the chain loop, presentation of the successive rows of pins to the feeler shoes 70 is effected by advancing the outer run of the chain loop past the feelers. When, however the signals in storage are reduced below the predetermined number, the portion of the chain associated with the feelers 70 is held stationary and the feelers are advanced around the closed end of the chain loop by swinging the frame 71 toward the pinsetti'ng mechanism.

Such advance of the chain and of the head is efiected by a common drive mechanism including a vertical shaft 98 (Figs. 4 and 5) constitutingthe lower pivot for the frame 71 and driven from the start-stop shaft 88 by bevel gears 99. Above the lower arm '72 of the frame '71, the shaft 98 carries a pinion 98 which, through speed reducing idler gears 100and 101, drives a gear 103 fast on a vertical shaft 104 ca ying a sprocket wheel which engages the lower side edge of the outer chain run.

When there are more than ten signals in storage between the recording and feeling points, the oscillatory frame occupies the position shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the feeler shoes 70 being then positioned diametrically opposite the pushers 12 as indicated in dotted outline (Fig. 6). Withthe frame thus positioned, rotation of the sprocket 105 in aclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, will advance the outer run of the chain past the shoes 70 in a direction to shorten the length of chain between the recording and feeling points. The successive rows of pins are thus presented to the feeler shoes by movement of the chain relative to the stationary frame. But when the number of signals in storage has been reduced to ten, the chain supporting car will have reached its limiting position, and the closed end of the chain loop will be positioned as shown in Fig. 6. Under these conditions, clockwise rotation of the sprocket 105 can take place only by movement of the oscillatory frame relative to the chain in a direction toward the recording point, new rows of pins being thus presented to the feeler shoes by movement of the frame relative to the stationary section of the outer chain run. This movement of the frame may continue with the present arrangement until the feeler shoes are associated with the pins of the chain link next beyond the pin pushers 12. This relation is shown in full lines in Fig. 6.

When the speed of the operator exceeds the rate of transmission determined by the motion of the distributor arm, the chain is advanced past the pin pushers 12 at a rate exceeding the relative motion between the chain and the oscillatory frame, with the result that the frame is carried backwardly toward its fixed position, the closed end of the chain loop remaining, positioned as shown in Fig. 6 until the frame reaches its'fixed position.

The frame 71 is locked against oscillatory movement while the chain car is out of its limiting position, that is when there are more than ten signals in storage, and the car is locked against movement while the frame is moving, that is, when the signal storage is reduced below ten. Locking of the frame is accomplished by the interlocking action of the outer surface 106 of the lower car plate 3 and a correspondingly shaped concave surface 107 formed on the lower arm 72 of the frame 71. The car is locked against movement by interengagement of a convex and surface 108 on -the lower plate 3 and a concave surface 109 on the arm 72 of the frame, the pivotal axis of the frame being the center of curvature of these two surfaces.

No claim is made herein to the construction of the signal storing medium or any feature herein disclosed which is shown in my copending application Serial No. 319,047, flled November 13, 19%, to which the present application is subordinate. a

When the frame 71 is in its fixed position (Fig;

are placed in storage, the car will move out of its.

limiting position and the lower plate 3 will fol-' low along the surface 107 thereby locking the frame against oscillation. But if the frame swings around the closed end of the chain loop, the surfaces 108 and 109 overlap which prevents movement of the car.

The reduction in speed produced by the gearing between the start-stop shaft 88 and the sprocket 105 is such that one revolution of the shaft will advance the outer run of the chain past the feeders 70 a distance equal to the pitch of the chain. But inasmuch as the oscillating frame, when free, is adapted to swing about the drive pinion 99 in a direction reverse to the latters motion, the movement of the frame 71 due to one revolution of the shaft 88 will be slightly less than the chain pitch.

This discrepancy builds up throughout the range of movement of the oscillating frame and is compensated for by making the feeler shoes 70 of sufficient width to engage the pins properly regardless of the position of the oscillatory frame. Thus the chain pins 2 engage opposite side edges of the shoes 70 when the frame is in its extreme positions indicated by the dotted and full line positions of the shoes in Fig. 6. L

The driving member of the clutch 83 is operated at a speed sufficiently greater than that of the distributor arm so as to enable the revolution of the shaft 88 to be substantialLv completed in the interval during which the distributor arm is passing from the cadence contact to the first transmitting contact.

Automatic interruption and restarting of transmission When all of the signals in storage have been transmitted, the distributor control of the frameadvancing clutch 83 is rendered ineifectual and the transmitting contacts of the distributor are connected to a common battery terminal so that in the subsequent operation of the distributor, impulses of the same polarity will be transmitted over the line. For this purpose, a second detent 110 is positioned for movement into and out of the path of the clutch finger 97, and when in blocking position as shown in Fig. 14, stops the driven clutehmember and therefore the startstop shaft 88 after the latter has traversed only part of its revolution. The exact stopping position of the shaft 88 is such that the cam 89 is effective to hold all of the movable contacts 66 of the switches 65 up against the strips 68 so that the negative pole of the current source will be connected to all of the transmitting contacts of L the distributor.

Normally, the detent 110 is drawn by a spring 111 out of blocking position but is entered automatically as an incident to the movement of the frame 71 into its limiting position adjacent the pin pushers 12. To this end, a horizontal slide 112 is formed with a lug 113 positioned as shown in Fig. 14 to be struck and moved rearwardly by the frame 71 whenthe latter carries its feelers into operative association with the chain link next adjacent the pin pushers. This movement of the slide is transmitted through a rock shaft 114 and a link 115 and serves to depress the detent 110 so that upon the next release of the clutch finger under the control of the cadence impulse, the motion of the driven clutch member will be arrested in the position above mentioned, thereby interrupting the advance of the frame toward the pushers.

When operation of the keyboard is again relilt sumed, the ensuing movement of the frame away from the pin pushers releases the detent 110 insofar as the control by the frame 71 concerned. But means must be provided to cause release of the detent in timed relation to the operation of the distributor. For this purpose, the

detent 110 is formed with a tail 116 which, whenthe detent is entered, is raised sufliciently to allow the upper end of a pivotal latch 117 to swing under the action of a spring 118 into a position to block the detent 110 against withdrawal except when the latch 117 is withdrawn. The lower end of the latch 117 is disposed adjacent the top of the armature bail 96 so that the latch will be withdrawn from beneath the tail 116 each time the cadence magnet is energized. In this way, the release of the clutch finger 97 by the detent 110 is timed by the distributor so that the operation of the feelers and the frame-advancing means is brought into step with the distributor. When the detent 110 is withdrawn as shown in Fig. 1, cooperating cam surfaces on the tail 116 and the latch 117 serve to hold the latch out of engaging relation with respect to the armature.

Manual interruption of transmission Means is provided for enabling the operator to interrupt signal transmission at will. This means comprises a crank 119 (Fig. 14) on a rock shaft 120 normally held by a spring 121 in'inactive position. At the other end of the rock shaft is a crank arm l22 having a lost motion connection with the slide 112 and adapted, when the crank 119 is swung into its active position, to retract the slide 112 and thereby enter the detent 110 in the same manner as above described.

I claim as my invention:

1. A machine of the character described combining signal recording mechanism stationarily mounted, feeler mechanism, a u port for said feeler mechanism mounted to swing about a fixed pivotal axis, a flexible strip upon which signals may be stored extending from said recording mechanism to said feeler mechanism, a member for maintaining the length of said medium between said mechanisms taut and the intermediate portion of said length of segmental shape, the center of curvature of said segmental portion coinciding with said pivotal axis when said member is in a limiting position defining a minimum length of medium between said mechanisms while the latter are in normal positions, and a drive sprocket engaging that portion of the medium with which said feeler mechanism is associated and adapted to be driven in a direction to shorten the length of medium between said mechanism, said sprocket being mounted on said swingable support whereby to advance the medium relative to the feeler mechanism when the length of medium between said mechanisms is above said predetermined minimum and to swing said support around said segmental portion toward said recording mechanism while said member remains in limiting position.

2. A machine of the character described combining signal recording and feeler mechanisms arranged adjacent each other in opposed relation, said recording mechanism being stationarily supported and said feeler mechanism being movably supported, a flexible storing medium having a bight disposed between said mechanisms, means for advancing one side portion of said bight past said setting mechanism to lengthen the section of medium between said mechanisms, and means arranged to advance the opposite side portion. of

said bight past said feeler mechanism in a direction to shorten the length of medium between the mechanisms, said last mentioned means acting, when the length of medium between said mechanisms has been reduced to a predetermined value, to advance said feeler mechanism relative to said medium in a direction toward said setting mechamsm.

3. A machine of the character described combining signal recording and feeler mechanisms arranged adjacent each other in opposed relation, said recording mechanism being stationarily supported and said feeler mechanism being movably supported, a flexible storing medium having a bight disposed between said mechanisms, means for advancing' one side portion of said bight past 'said setting mechanism to lengthen the section of medium between said mechanisms, means arranged t6 advance the opposite side portion of said bight past said feeler mechanism in a direction to shorten the length of medium between the mechanisms, said last mentioned means acting, when the length of medium between said mechanisms has been reduced to a predetermined value, to advance said feeler mechanism relative to said medium in a direction toward said setting mechanism, and cooperating locking cams movable respectively with said feeler mechanism and the associated portion of said medium and acting to hold the feeler mechanism against movement when the length of the medium between said mechanisms is above said predetermined value.

4. A signal storing transmitter combining an elongated flexible medium upon which signals may be stored mechanically, signal recording mechanism associated with said medium, means for advancing the medium past said mechanism, feeler mechanism associated with said medium at a point spaced from said recording mechanism and adapted to be controlled in accordance with the character of the signals stored on the medium, and means for presentingsignals on said medium successively to said feeler mechanism, said last mentioned means acting to move the medium relative to the feeler mechanism when the number of signals in storage is above a predetermined'value and to move said. feeler mechanism -medium successively to said feeler mechanism,

said last 'mentioned means acting to move the medium relative to the feeler mechanism when the number of signals in storage is above a predetermined value and to move said feeler mechanism relative to said medium when the number of signals in storage is below said value, and locking means acting to hold said feeler mechanism against. movement when the storage is above said value and to hold the associated portion of the medium against movement when the storage is below such value. 2 g A,

6. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a signal storing medium in the form of-an elongated flexible strip, a stationarily mounted mechanism for recording signals on said medium, feeler mechanism normally associated with said medium at a point spaced from said recording mechanism but adapted to move relative to the medium to a point adjacent the recording mechanism, and intermittently operable means operating independently of said recording mechanism and acting automatically to advance the medium relative to said feeler mechanism when the signals in storage exceed a predetermined number and to advance the fceler mechanism relative to the medium when the signals in storage are reduced below said number.

7. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a signal storing medium in the form of an elongated flexible strip, a stationarily mounted mechanism for recording signals on said medium, feeler mechanism normally associated with said medium at a point spaced from said recording mechanism but adapted to move relative to the medium, to a point adjacent the recording mechanism, intermittently operable means operating independently of said r ecording mechanism and acting automatically to advance the medium relative to said feeler mechanism when the signals in storage exceed a predetermined number and to advance the feeler mechanism relative to the medium when the signals in storage are reduced below said number, and means acting automatically to render said advancing means ineffectual when said feeler mechanism approaches a predetermined point in moving toward said recording mechanism.

8. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a signal storing medium comprising an elongated flexible strip having a longitudinal row of uniformly spaced pins, mechanism for setting the pins in said row upon the presentation of successive sections of the strip thereto, means maintaining that portion of said strip beyond said mechanism in the form of a segmeninlly shaped bight, a support associated with said strip beyond said bight but arranged to swing around said bight toward and away from said mechanism, feeding means on said support for advancing said strip uniform distances with a step-by-step motion past said support when the support is stationary and for moving said support in a reverse direction toward said setting mechanism when the associated por-.

tion of the strip is stationary, and a feeler adapted to be controlled by said pins in the successive relative movements between said strip and said in all positions of said support whereby to compensate for variation in the relative. stepping motions when the latter are produced by movement of said support.

9. A signal storing element comprising an endless flexible member arranged in the form of an elongated closed loop mounted for bodily endwise movement as a unit.

10. A signal storing element comprising an endless flexible member arranged in the form of an elongated closed loop mounted for bodily endwise movement as a unit in a predetermined arcuate path.

11. A signal storing element comprising an endless flexible member arranged in the form of an elongated closed loop of arcuate shape, and means supporting said loop for bodily endwise movement as a unit about a fixed axis.

12. Signal storing mechanism comprising an endless flexible chain carrying movabIe adjustable elements and a member maintaining said chain in the form of an elongated closed loop of segmental shape with the ends of the loop disposed adjacent each other in circumferential spaced relation, said member being mounted to swing around a fixed axis.

13. The combination of a pin-setting mechanism and a pin-feeling mechanism arranged adjacent each other in opposed relation, an endless flexible medium carrying groups of pins upon which individual signal combinations may be recorded, said medium being arranged in the form of an elongated loop adapted to move bod ly in an endwise direction between said mechanisms, and 1 two independently operable advancing means, one for moving one run of said elongated loop in one direction past said setting mechanism to present successive groups of pins thereto, the other advancing means being adapted to move the opposite chain run past said feeling mechanism to present successive signals thereto.

14. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a storing medium carrying rows of endwise movable pins, a plurality of pinpushers, a keyboard, a power actuated start-stop shaft controlled from said keyboard, means operable in each movement of said shaft to advance said medium a distance corresponding to the spacing of said rows, a plurality of pin-setters, one for each pin in a row, a plurality of springs, each individual to one of said setters and normally tending to move the setter in a direction to shift the associated pn into pushed position, and permutation mechanism controlled from said keyboard and acting upon depression of a key to release certain of said setters to the action of their springs and to prevent release of the other setters whereby to record a signal combination on the row of pins then opposite said setters.

15. In a machine of the character described, a storing medium upon which signal combinations may be recorded, a plurality of shiftable elements adapted to operate upon said medium in selected code combinations to record a signal, a plurality of springs each individual to one of said elements and normally tending to move the element into operative engagement with said medium, a keyboard, permutation mechanism controlled from said keyboard for blocking said elements in selected combinations, a start-stop shaft, a rotary clutch having a driven member adapted when released to turn said shaft through a predetermined distance, means controlled from said keyboard to trip said clutch, means acting as an incident to each stepping movement of said shaft to release all of said elements to the action of their springs and then retract the elements to inactive posit'on, and means driven to retract the mechanism out of operative en-' gagement with said medium, and means operated from said shaft throughout each movement thereof and acting to advance said medium a distance equal to the spacing of said rows whereby to leave a blanked row of pins opposite said recording mechanism as said shaft arrives at rest position.

17. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a signal storing medium, signal recording mechanism associated with said medium, a start-stop member arranged for unidirectional rotation, keyboard controlled means for imparting a step-by-step movement to said member, means operable in each movement of said member to actuate said recording mechanism to eflect recordation of a signal upon said medium, and a feed sprocket for advancing the medium past said recording mechanism having a direct connection with said start-stop member so that the advance of said medium relative to said mechanism continues through the movement of said member.

18. In a machine of the character described. the combination of a signal recording mechanism, a start-stop shaft adapted in one revolution to actuate said mechanism to record a signal combination, a clutch for driving said shaft having coacting driving and driven members, an arm rotatable with the driven member of said clutch and adapted when blocked against movement to hold said shaft against movement by the clutch and when released to permit the shaft to be driven, a keyboard controlling the selective operation of said mechanism, a stop normally disposed in the path of said arm and adapted to be withdrawn from said path upon depression of any one of the keys of said keyboard, and a second stop movable with said first mentioned stop and normally disposed out of the path of said arm but adapted to be moved into said path by depression of any oneof said keys,

said second stop being positioned in advance of said first mentioned stop and being shaped to permit release of said arm by said first mentioned stop when the arm is engaging the first stop.

19. In a machine ofthe character described, the combination of a signal recording mechanism, a start-stop shaft adapted in one revolution toactuate said mechanism to record a signal combination, a clutch for driving said shaft having coacting driving and driven members, an arm rotatable with the driven member of said clutch and adapted when blocked against movement to hold said shaft against movement by the clutch and when released to permit the shaft to be driven, a keyboard controlling the selective operation of said mechanism, a member arranged to be shifted in one direction upon depression of any one of the keys of said keyboard and to be returned to initial position when none of said keys are depressed, and a pair of spaced lugs carried by said member, one having a blocking surface disposed in the path of said arm when said member is in normal position and adapted to be moved out of the path of said member to release said arm upon depression of one of said keys, said other lug having a surface overlapping said first mentioned surface and disposed in advance thereof so as to be engaged by said arm upon completion of one cycle of said shaft but permitting movement of said arm into engagement with said first mentioned lug provided none of said keys are depressed, said second lug being shaped to permit release of said am from said first mentioned lug upon movement of said member out of normal position.

20. In a machine of the character described, the combination of signal recording mechanism, a start-stop member for driving said mechanism normally tending to rotate, a keyboard controlling said mechanism, and a pair of stops spaced circumferentially with respect to said member, one of said stops acting to block said member in its normal rest position and to be withdrawn from blocking relation upon depression of one of the keys of said keyboard, said other stop acting in the final movement of said member toward its rest position to block the member in advance of said first mentioned stop provided said key has not returned to inactive position.

21. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a signal storing medium carrying parallel rows of pins adapted to be set in signal combinations, a plurality of feelers one for each pin in one of said rows adapted for movement transversely of said. pins, a plurality of springs each individual to one of said feelers and normally tending to move its feeler into engagement with the associated pin, a rotary start-stop member, and means operating in each movement of said member, first to retract said members out of operative association with their respective pins and then to release all of the members to the action of their springs.

22. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a signal storing medium carrying parallel rows of pins adapted to be set in signal combinations, a plurality of feelers one for each pin in one of said rows adapted for movement transversely of said pins, a plurality of springs each individual to one of said feelers and normally tending to move its feeler into engagement with the associated pin, a rotary startstop member, means operating in each move ment of said member, first to retract said members out of operative association with their respective pins and then to release all of the members to the action of their springs, and means member and acting in each movement thereof to effect relative movement between said medium and said feelers whereby to present a new row of pins to the feelers prior to the release of the latter.

23. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a storing medium having parallel rows of pins upon which signal combinations'ma'y be recorded, a plurality of feelers, one for each pin in one of said rows, a rotary start-stop member, and means driven from said member in each movement thereof to effect relative movement between said medium and said feelers whereby to present a new row of pins to the latter and also to retract the feelers during such presentation of the pins and then to permit the feelers to move into operative association with the newly presented row of pins.

24. In a machine of the character described, a storing medium adapted-to carry mechanically stored signal combinations, a plurality of individually movable feelers, a set of transmitting control switches each controlled by one of said feelers, a start-stop member having a normal rest position, power operated means for imparting a step-by-step movement to said members,

. means operable in each movement of said mem- ;tromagnet adapted to be energized periodically,

said magnet having an armature adapted when the magnet is energized permitting movement of said member away from said position and preventing such movement when the magnet is deenergized, and means acting automatically when the signals on said medium are reduced below a predetermined number to arrest the motion of said member out of normal rest position.

25. In a machine of the character described, a storing medium adapted to carry mechanically stored signal combinations, a plurality of individually movable feelers, a set of transmitting control switches each controlled by one of said feelers, a start-stop member having a step-bystep movement, an electromagnet adapted to be energized periodically, said electromagnet having an armature holding said member in a normal rest position when the magnet is energized and releasing the member for movement when the magnet is deenergized, means operated by said start-stop member in each movement thereof to retract said feelers out of operative engagement with said pins and then to release the feelers for advancing movement toward or past the pins in one of said rows, a pair of switches for each of said feelers for determining the polarity of the current placed upon the transmitting line under the control of the pin associated withthe feeler, said switches being closed when the feelers are in retracted and advanced positions respectively, and a detent normally disposed in inactive position and adapted to be moved into and out of active position automatically as the signals in storage fall below or rise above a predetermined number, said detent when in active position acting to arrest the motion of said start-stop member with all of said feelers in retracted position whereby potential of com-' mon polarity is impressed upon the line.

26. In a machine of the character described, a storing medium adapted to carry mechanically stored signal combinations, a plurality of individually movable feelers, a set of transmitting control switches each controlled by one of said feelers, a start-stop member having a step-bystep movement, an electromagnet adapted to be energized periodically, said electromagnet having an armature holding said member in a normal rest position when the magnet is energized and releasing the member for movement when the magnet is deenergized, means operated by said start-stop member in each movement thereof to retract said feelers out of operative engagement with said pins and then to release the feelers for advancing movement toward or past the pins in one of said rows, transmitting switch mechanism controlled by said feelers, and means responsive to the amount of message matter in storage upon said medium and acting automatically to interrupt the movement of said startstop member after release thereof by said electromagnet and with all of said feelers in retracted position.

2'7. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a signal storing medium, a set of individually movable feelers, a rotary start-stop member normally held in-a rest position and adapted upon one stepping movement away from such position to retract said feelers out of operative association with said medium and then permit movement thereof toward the medium, a pair of circumferentially spaced stops one normally tending to move "into a position to arrest the motion of said member in said normal position, the

other being normally inactive and adapted when moved into blocking position to stop said member with said feelers retracted out of engagement with said medium, an electromagnet adapted to be energized periodically and when energized to withdraw said first mentioned stop and thereby permit movement of said member, and means operable to move said second stop into active position when the signals in storage upon said medium decreases below a predetermined number.

28. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a signal storing medium, a set of individually movable feelers, a rotary startstop member normally held in a rest position and adapted upon one stepping movement away from such position to retract said feelers out of operative association with said medium and then permit movement thereof toward the medium, a pair of circumferentially spaced stops one normally tending to move into a position to arrest the motion of said member in said normal position, the other being normally inactive and adapted when moved into blocking position to stop said member with said feelers retracted out of engagement with said medium, an electromagnet adapted to be energized periodically and when energized to withdraw said first mentioned stop and thereby permit movement of said member, means operable to move said second stop into active position when the signals in storage upon said medium decreases below a predetermined number, a latch rendered operative upon movement of said second stop into active position and acting when in such position to prevent withdrawal of said second stop by an increase in the signal storage above said predetermined value, and means acting upon each successive energization of said electromagnet to move said latch out of active position.

29. 'In a machine of the character described, the combination of a storing medium upon which signal combinations may be recorded, transmitting switches, a transmission line upon which signal impulses are impressed under the control of said switches, mechanism arranged for operative engagement with signals recorded upon said medium and acting to control said switches in accordance with the signals, a start-stop member normally disposed in a rest position and operable upon each stepping movement from such position to bring said mechanism into operative association with the next untransmitted signal, an electromagnet controlling the release of said member from said rest position, and means operable upon a decrease in signal storage below a predetermined value to arrest the motion of said member in a predetermined intermediate position.

30. In arnachine of the character described, the combination of a storing medium upon which signal combinations may be recorded, transmitting switches, a transmission line upon which signal impulses are impressed under the control of said switches, mechanism arranged for operative engagement with signals recorded upon said medium and acting to control said switches in accordance with the signals, a start-stop member normally disposed in a rest position and operable upon each stepping movement from such position to bring said mechanism into operative association with the next untransmitted signal, an electromagnet controlling the release of said'member from said rest position, means operable upon a decrease in signal storage below a predetermined value to arrest the motion of said member in a predetermined intermediate position, and means rendered active when said member is in said intermediate position to prevent release of said member by said last mentioned means except-when said electromagnet is energized.

31. In a machine of the-character described, the combination of a storing medium upon which signal combinations maybe recorded, transmitting switches, a transmission line upon which signal impulses are impressed under the control of said switches, mechanism arranged for opersaid rest position, a sunflower distributor having a plurality of contacts upon which current of varying polarity is impressed under the control a of said switches, and an auxiliary contact in said distributor controlling the periodic 'energization' of said electromagnet to time the signaltransmission, said member when in said intermediate position acting to maintain current ofcommon polarity 'on all of said first mentioned distributor contacts.

32. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a storing medium upon which signal combinations may be recorded, a sunflower distributor, a set of switches controlling the character of the impulses transmitted by said.

distributor, mechanism for feeling of the signal elements on said medium and controlling said switches in accordance therewith, a start-stop member having a normal rest position and operable in each stepping movement to bring said mechanism into operative association with the next'untransmitted signal on said medium, a clutch having rotary driving and driven elements, the driven element being connected to said member, a detent normally disposed in active position holding the driven member of said clutch against rotation, an electromagnet adapted when energized to withdraw said detent and permit rotation of said member, and a cadence contact associated with said sunflower and adapted to cause momentary energization of said magnet periodically in the rotation of the distributor arm.

33. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a storing medium upon which signal combinations may be recorded, a sunflower distributor, a set of switches controlling the character of the impulses transmitted by said distributor, mechanism for feeling of the signal elements on said medium and controlling said switches in accordance therewith, a start-stop member having a normal rest position and operable in each stepping movement to bring said mechanism into operative association with the next untransmitted signal-on said medium, a clutch having cooperating driving and driven elements adapted for frictionalgripping engagement whereby movement ergized periodically from said distributor and when so energized to withdraw said stop and permit rotation of said member.

34. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a storing medium upon which signal combinations may be recorded, a sunflower distributor, a set of switches controlling the character of the impulses transmitted by said distributor, mechanism for feeling of the signal elements on said medium 'and controlling said switches in accordance therewith, a start-stop member having a normal rest position and operable in each stepping movement to bring said mechanism into operative association with the next untransmitted signal on said medium, a clutch having cooperating driving and driven elements adapted for. frictional gripping engagement and held out of such engagement when the driven element is blocked against movement, said driven element being connected to said member, a stop normallyblocking said driven element against movement and maintaining the clutch disengaged with said member in rest position, and an electromagnet adapted to be energized periodically from said distributor and when so energized to withdraw said stop and thereby permit rotation of. said member.

tating member, a start-stop member normally tending to rotate under the action of said rotating member, a stop normally holding said startstop member in rest position and adapted to release such member upon depression of one of the keys of said keyboard, and a second stop movable into the path of said start-stop member as an incident to the withdrawal of said first mentioned stop and acting to arrest the motion of the start-stop member in advance of its rest position provided said key isheld depressed.

36. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a sunflower distributor having a cadence contact and a set of transmitting contacts adapted to be engaged successively by therotating distributor arm, a set of switches controlling the polarity of current on said transmitting contacts, a storing medium carrying groups of switch control elements representing signal combinations, a set of feelers controlling said last mentioned switches, means for presenting said feelers into operative association with successive groups of said elements including a start-stop member maintained in a rest position while said distributor arm is traversing said transmitting contacts, a clutch having a constantly .rotating driving element and a driven element connected to said member, and an electromagnet adapted to be energized upon engagement of said distributor arm and said cadence contact, and when so energized to cause engagement of said clutch whereby said member is causedto move one step, the speed of said driving clutch element being such as to complete the movement of said member in the time interval during which said distributor arm is passing from said cadence contact to the first of said transmitting contacts.

37. In a machine of the the combination of a sunflower distributor having a cadence contact and a set of transmitting contacts adapted to be engaged successively by the rotating distributor arm, a set of switches controlling the character of the current applied to said contacts, a storing inedium carrying groups of switch'controlling elements, a set of feelers controlling said last mentioned switches when in operative association with one of said groups of elements, a constantly rotating member rotatable through one revolution approximately in the time required for said arm to pass from said cadence contact to the first of said character described, I

transmitting contacts, a start-stop member normally tending to rotate under the action of said rotating member and operable in one revolution to bring said feelers into operative association with the group of elements representing the next untransmitted signal on said medium, a detent normally disposed in active position and acting to hold said start-stop member in normal rest position, and an electromagnet adapted to be energized from said cadence contact to withdraw said detent from blocking position and permit said start-stop member to rotate through one revolution.

38. A machine of the character described combining a signal storing medium, mechanism for recording signal combinations upon said medium, a keyboard controlling the selective operation of said mechanism, transmitting means, a feeler mechanism controlling said transmitting means and controlled by the recorded signals, a constantly rotating power shaft, a clutch having a driving member driven from said shaft and a start-stop driven member adapted in one revolution to actuate said recording mechanism to set up a' signal combination and to advance the recorded signal out of operative association relative to the recording mechanism, means controlled by said keyboard controlling said clutch to release said start-stop member, a' second clutch having a driving element driven from said power shaft and a start-stop element adapted in one revolution to present the next untransmitted signal to said feeler mechanism, a detent normally holding said start-stop element in rest position, and means operable independently of said keyboard for withdrawing said detent periodically.

39. A flexible storage element arranged in the form of an endless loop of segmental shape and mounted for bodily movement about the axis of the segment.

40. Foruse in a machine of the character described, a friction clutch comprising a driving disk, a second disk adapted for axialgripping engagement therewith, a driven shaft extending axially through said second disk and having screw threaded engagement therewith, a spring normally tending to turn said second disk on said shaft in a direction to advance the disk into gripping engagement with said driving disk, and a control stop movable into and out of a position to block said second disk against movement with said driving disk.

41. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a signal storing medium, mechanism operable to record signals on said medium, a start-stop member normally tending to move in a direction to actuate said mechanism, a keyboard, means operable upon depression of a key on said keyboard to release said member for recordation of a signal on said medium, and means acting to prevent continued operation of said member and a second recording of the signal in the event that said key is held depressed longer than the normal cycle of said member.

42. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a traveling medium having rows of control devices upon which signals may ,be recorded, a set of feelers one for each device in a row at a transmitting position, a rotary start-stop member operable in each cycle to retract and then release said feelers for engagement with the devices in one of said rows, and means having a direct positive driving connection with said member and operable while said feelers are being actuated to advance said medium to bring another row of said devices into said position.

, 43. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a traveling medium having rows of control devices upon which signals may be recorded, a set of feelers one for each device in a row at a transmitting position, a start-stop member operable in each cycle to retract and then release said feelers for engagement with the devices in one of said rows, a set of switches each adapted upon retraction of said feelers to be closed and upon release of the feelers to be opened selectively according to the setting of the devices in said position, and means operable while said feelers are being actuated to advance said medium and bring another row of said devices into said position.

44. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a traveling medium having rows of control devices upon which signals may be recorded, a support adjacent said medium mounted to turn about a fixed axis, a set of feelers one for each device in a row mounted on said support for movement longitudinally of said axis, a stationary support, a plurality of switch actuating members mounted on the latter support for movement longitudinally of said axis, said members engaging the respective feelers substantially coincident with said axis whereby the members will be actuated with the feelers in all positions of said first mentioned support.

45. A machine of the character described having, in combination, a signal storing medium, a

plurality of signal control elements to be moved into and out of operative association with said medium, a start-stop member normally tending to rotate and adapted when released to bring said signal control elements into operative association with said medium, a stop normally holding said member in rest position but withdrawable out of normal position to release said member, and a second stop movable into the path of said member as an incident to the withdrawal of said first mentioned stop and acting when in blocking position to arrest the movement of the member in advance of the normal rest position thereof, said member being retained in said iast mentioned position so long as said first mentioned HOWARD D. COLMAN. 

